Meet Jasmine Smith | PhotograpHER

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I am a product of a family of entrepreneurs. I knew at a very young age that owning my own business was something I would pursue after formal education. My parents instilled in me that completing school and having a foundation in my core subjects would give me the building blocks for starting a business. I also worked at my Family businesses during my teenage and college years and was able to see what it took to run a successful business. I started my photography business because I absolutely love capturing memories. I love pulling out old photo albums and watching a visual history of the past. I love the idea of preserving memories for families brands, and businesses. I also believe in the importance of present day visuals to enhance brands and businesses. Photos tell a story… They tell a narrative without words and take you back to moments and time that you can cherish forever as well as pass on to future generations. I became an event and portrait photographer approx 10 years ago. I initially immersed myself in online workshops, and then eventually started connecting with mentors in the industry. I also believe in multiple streams of income. I believe in generational wealth, and I did not want my income to be solely dictated by a company that I was working for. I learned this from my parents and grandparents And will also instill this belief in my children.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I feel that I am unique because I connect with my clients to make sure that they feel comfortable during their portrait sessions. I get to know them their sense of style, their favorite music so that I can create an environment that makes them comfortable when taking photos. I am very detailed oriented, and I will capture every single minute detail while balancing candid and posed shots of event attendees. I got to where I am today by investing the time to research my craft. I try to stay up to date on trends so that I can offer my client the best most up-to-date experiences. I’ve learned that being an entrepreneur is not easy… Managing my schedule with my family schedule is not an easy task, Late night editing client galleries, And managing the administrative tasks of my business can sometimes be overwhelming. I have learned outsourcing some of my tasks has been helpful and saves me time so that I can be productive in other areas. I want to leave a legacy behind that describes me as being an amazing creative artist that prioritizes a remarkable client experience and produces incredible images.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you are planning a visit to Chicago- My hometown- I would advise that you visit during the spring or summer months. There is plenty to do as a tourist and I would start with the lakefront area. I love to bike ride or even do a Segway tour. I would check out one of many rooftop bars downtown Chicago area. Our museum campus is spectacular with several options to choose from and many photo ops along the way. I would also encourage a tourist to check out some of the best pizza options in the nation right here in Chicago. Michigan Avenue is a great place to take photos as well as get some shopping in.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to acknowledge my family for their support while pursuing my entrepreneur endeavors. I know that this business is time-consuming and they extend love and support as I pursue my dreams. I also want to thank my many clients that have continued to support me over the years. This includes individuals, families, businesses and specifically event planners that seek out my service to enhance the events that they plan. My business has grown organically with very little formal marketing. This is because I produce a quality product and my work speaks for itself. Word of mouth/ client referrals are my main source of marketing and I am extremely grateful for the business I receive because of it.

Website: www.posepicstudio.com

Instagram: PosePicStudio

Facebook: Pose Pic Studio

Image Credits
Jasmine -Pose Pic Studio Photography